Ryan: 'We Played Our Butts Off'

The Butkus award semifinalist led the Wolverines with 11 tackles, one pass break up and one interception in Michigan’s 10-9 win at Northwestern Saturday.

The interception was the play that stuck out for the fifth-year senior. A pre-play read between him and fellow linebacker Joe Bolden, the duo noticed the Northwestern formation, and decided to switch their assignments, and Ryan was able to make an athletic one handed interception late in the first quarter.

“Just knowing that, I kind of had a jump on it,” Ryan said on the interception. “So it worked out.”
And Michigan’s defensive effort overall was stout as well. U-M held Northwestern to minus-9 yards rushing, and were able to force three Wildcats’ turnover on defense and special teams.

“We got turnovers, especially on teams,” Ryan said. “That’s huge for us. Turnovers and defense were great. Just getting our offense back on the field to get points. Every single down matters. We played our butts off.”

A s afar as stopping the run, Ryan credits the Wolverines success with staying to their assignments on defense.

“Staying in your gaps, playing your position,” Ryan said. “It’s what you need to do in this defense.”